The reduction of a series of α-cyanostilbenes with SmI2 was studied in THF in the presence of various proton donors. No reaction occurred in the presence of the alcohols TFE, i-PrOH and t-BuOH. In the presence of MeOH, water and ethylene glycol the reactions occurred; however in the presence of water and ethylene glycol they were too fast for kinetic determinations (τ1/2< 1 ms). Reactions with MeOH were first order in SmI2 and first order ...